Few days ago, some school children were abducted in Lagos. Now, the bold effort to rescue the school children abducted last week from
Lagos State Model College Igbonla Epe, turned bloody when nine of the
policemen sent on the mission were shot and over 20 militants killed
during a gun battle on the Ode Omi waterways in Ogun State. The
policemen were attached to the Marine Police section.

It was also gathered that the militants, who abducted the students
have demanded N400 million ransom before they would release them. Three of the policemen were said to be still unconscious as at yesterday
evening following the gunshot injuries they suffered during the combat
last Friday. The nine were still undergoing medical treatment at the
police hospital in Ikoyi, Lagos.

A police source, who spoke on the
condition of anonymity said, “Policemen from the Marine Police and
others were on the trail of the kidnappers, when the gun battle ensued.
“Our men were on a rescue mission. When the militants sighted them, they opened fire and a serious gun duel ensued.”

It was also gathered that the militants, who were over 50, engaged the
policemen in a serious fight which lasted over six hours. The source
further said that over 20 militants were killed.
It was gathered that the abductors have opened negotiations with the parents of the abducted students.
A parent, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed that the abductors had finally contacted the parents of te abducted students.

He said: “We heard that the abductors called one of the parents and
demanded for N400 million ransom. The negotiation is still on as they
have not been able to contact the number since then but we are expecting
further negotiations tomorrow.”

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Meet IfeanyiCy

IfeanyiCy Njoku, a youth mobilizer/advocate, media consultant and political strategist who has used his office to reach out for the poor and the less privileged in our society, Currently working as executive director Center for Youth Development and Peace Initiative.